In Sanssouci Park in Potsdam, unknown persons climbed onto the roof of the historic picture gallery from the 18th century and damaged building decorations and ornaments. An important art collection is housed there. Only in February was the sculpture of the sea god damaged in the Neptune grotto in the park.

In the picture gallery, unknown perpetrators knocked off fingers on several putti and damaged vases on the roof ledge, the police announced on Thursday. The Prussian Palaces and Gardens Foundation estimated the material damage at 30,000 euros. The building decoration is said to have been damaged before the most recent inspection on March 31st. So far it has been unclear how high the art-historical damage is, as it was said.

A connection to damage to the Neptune grotto in the immediate vicinity of the picture gallery is being examined, the police said. Unknown persons tampered with the marble sculpture of the god of the sea at the historic monument in Sanssouci Park. The police later found a stolen copper trident.

Now the police are looking for witnesses who have made observations about the picture gallery. Photos or video recordings could also help to further narrow down the time of the crime and to find the perpetrators. (Notes to the Potsdam Police Inspectorate on telephone number 0331 5508 0).

According to the foundation, the picture gallery, which is magnificently designed on the inside, is the oldest surviving gallery building in Germany. Frederick the Great had it built from 1755 to 1763/64 for his paintings.